Firefighter/Paramedic 56-Hour - 03292022

Highlands County BCC; Sebring (FL); On-site; USD 57,418 - 88,999; Full time

Job summary

Highlands County BCC in Sebring is hiring a professional firefighter responsible for emergency medical response and fire service duties. You will perform a variety of tasks including providing Advanced Life Support and active participation in fire prevention and education programs.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma, Florida Firefighter II certificate, and current Paramedic certification.

This position demands physical exertion and offers a competitive salary range between $57,418.52 and $88,998.71 annually.

Qualifications

• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Florida Firefighter II certificate.
• Current Florida Paramedic certification.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire and EMS calls.
• Provide Basic and Advanced Life Support care.
• Operate fire and EMS apparatus.

Skills

Firefighting techniques

Advanced life support

Emergency vehicle operation

Clear communication

Education

High school graduation or equivalent diploma

Tools

Fire service vehicles

Emergency medical equipment

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A professional position responsible for maintaining firefighting skills and paramedic license, performing basic and advanced life support skills, preventing and extinguishing fires, protecting life and property, and enforcing county and state fire prevention codes and related laws.

Department: Public Safety

Reports to: Lieutenant

Pay Grade/Salary: PG - 305 $57,418.52 - $88,998.71

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Respond to fire and EMS calls with a fire company and perform fire/EMS/rescue duties as assigned or assumed.
• Rescue and remove persons from danger.
• Operate various pieces of fire and EMS apparatus and equipment to deliver advanced life support skills and extinguish fires.
• Ventilate burning buildings to eject smoke, heat, and gases as directed.
• Perform salvage and overhaul operations at fire scenes as directed.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks on department buildings and equipment.
• Perform prevention and education activities as directed, including fire hydrant maintenance if necessary.
• Perform annual testing and inspection of fire hose.
• Attend training in subjects pertinent to EMS, firefighting, fire inspections, equipment operation, emergency medical treatment, and other related areas.
• Promote and conduct public education programs as directed.
• Make periodic visits to buildings to conduct pre‑fire planning.
• Provide Basic and Advanced Life Support care in compliance with relevant statutes and protocols.
• Administer pre‑hospital emergency rescue and medical services, including advanced life support within scope of training.
• Occasionally fill in as an EMT on a BLS unit as directed by a ranking officer.
• Serve as an ambulance driver as needed.
• Handle emergency and non‑emergency patient transfers as assigned, including in‑county and out‑of‑county cases.
• Complete necessary written reports, including patient reports, bills, and daily unit reports, accurately and timely.
• Clean and maintain ambulance and equipment daily, maintaining required inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain a professional and safe unit and work area in accordance with established safety policies and the desired organization image.
• Consistently follow board policies and procedures.
• Respond productively to change and perform all other tasks as directed.
• Work productively with all personnel throughout the chain of command.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skill in firefighting techniques, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge and skill in advanced life support emergency medical treatment practices.
• Ability to gain knowledge of street locations, geography, and types of building construction in assigned district.
• Ability to identify various types of fire hazards within assigned district.
• Continuous learning and updating of techniques and procedures in firefighting and emergency medical care.
• Understanding and execution of oral and written instructions.
• Clear oral and written communication.
• Drive and operate fire service vehicles and apparatus safely under emergency conditions.
• Skill in use and maintenance of firefighting and emergency medical equipment.
• Knowledge of CPR and other Advanced Life Support practices and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety and comfort measures for patient handling and treatment.
• Familiarity with roadway and highway systems within Highlands County.
• Knowledge of Florida safety requirements and privileges when responding to non‑emergency and emergency situations.
• Knowledge of Florida traffic and driving regulations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, supervisors, directors, elected officials, vendors, and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work requires occasional exertion of over 100 pounds of force; regular tasks include speaking, hearing, sitting, repetitive motions, standing, walking, using hands for handling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and operating vehicles and equipment. Visual acuity, depth perception, color perception, night and peripheral vision are required. The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lb. and must meet physical and medical requirements for firefighter and hazardous materials per N.F.P.A. standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school graduation or equivalent diploma.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

Valid Florida driver’s license; Florida Firefighter II certificate; current Florida Paramedic certification; AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); 16‑hour Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVOC or CEVO); and current CPR/AED for Health Care Provider (BLS). Must be approved by the EMS Medical Director to practice as a paramedic.

OTHER JOB‑RELATED REQUIREMENTS

Disaster Essential. Paid firefighters in Highlands County cannot serve as volunteer firefighters in the same county. This does not preclude administrative roles. ACJIS required as part of background check.

DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics, or any other legally protected group or class. We are a drug‑free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment.

POSTING EXPIRATION

Until filled.